Breast cancer : how to detect it early

Many a times I am asked to take lectures and arrange breast examination and mammography camps to allay fear of common groups that they do not have cancer breast. I do them, at the end of it I have to tell them all that :

(a) Repeated self breast examination may not be hundred percent sure way. Remember that other indicators are equally important.

(b) Ultrasonography, mammography or cancer antigen detection techniques are not for survey and routine use. They may fail you when you need them actually

(c) Family History is MOST IMPORTANT. Record your family history including that of mother side women and father side women, if possible up to four generation. some time it may sound over anxious. but do it if one can.

(d) After 35 one should plan for regular periodical examination. I would consider the following :

1. NO family history, Married, had kids  - every 5 year up to 50 yrs, then two yearly up to 60 years and then yearly.

2. No family history, married, does not have kids - every 5 years up to 45 yrs, then two yearly up to 55 and then yearly.

3. No family history, unmarried at 35. - every two years.

4. Have family history. at 35 must have first full breast examination, then every two years up to 45 and then yearly.

5. A test to be undertaken only if pain in breast, discomfort, discharge or lump.

Fear Not , Breast cancer is treatable